You might remember Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments by Tom Rhea previosly posted here.
Heath Finnie wrote in to remind me of the book and I noticed a few new pics of the inner pages have gone up on the Electronic Perspectives website. I thought they deserved a new post. If you are not familiar with the book, here are some details:
"Forty-five years in the making, Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments contains all of Tom Rhea’s fifty-two influential columns that were first published in Keyboard magazine from 1977-1981. This 400-page tome greatly expands on the original content with updated information and hundreds of newly restored images. Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments includes two CDs of unearthed recordings; spanning multiple eras of electronic music. All in a gold foil-embossed hardcover book, housed in a deluxe slipcase."
Note Tom Rhea helped design the Crumar Spirit with Bob Moog and Jill Scott. He also penned a few classic synthesizer user manuals. You can find additional posts mentioning him here.
"This vintage manual is essential for any keyboard synthesizer enthusiast. It contains a complete guide to synthesizers and is specifically tailored to the Devarahi model. The text-based manual provides detailed information on how to operate the synth and all of its features.
This manual is a must-have for anyone who wants to fully utilize their Devarahi keyboard synthesizer. With step-by-step instructions and clear explanations, you'll be able to create the exact sound you want. The book is in good condition and will be shipped promptly upon purchase."
Fascinating bit at 1:50. Paul McGowan actually created his own synthesizer, The Infinitizer. Curious if there are any images of it out there. He almost sold one to Wendy Carlos. It gets a mention in his book 99% True: Almost a National Bestseller which you can find on Amazon here (note this is an affiliate link - see the site's privacy policy for more info).
Update: I asked Paul if he had any pics of The Infinitizer. Unfortantely he didn't, and he no longer has any of the parts, but he did send over the following additional info:
"I don’t have any photos of the Infinitizer, unfortunately. I remember a very sad day back in 1995 or so when I was cleaning out my lab and had to own up to hauling it off to the dump (it was a mere skeleton of PCBs, a keyboard, and lots of wires and didn’t work)."
"The idea was to make 10 synthesizers into one unit that was easy to use. This meant it would be the world’s first polyphonic synth, since musicians only have 10 fingers.
I designed a complete analog chain of 10 modules (the usual: VC filters, oscillators, envelope generators, amplifiers, etc.). Then, I hired an engineer out of Vandenburg Air Force Base who was a whiz at this new thing called “digital”. He designed for me a multiplexed keyboard that constantly scanned all the keys looking for ones that were pressed. The keys were all internally numbered and when pressed, the multiplexer would find an available VC oscillator and assign that number to the oscillator. Because we know the number of the key, the appropriate voltage was sent to that oscillator and it produced the appropriate frequency for that key. In order to have the entire keyboard voltage move up and down (like if you wanted to bend the notes or modulate the frequency with a LF oscillator) the master voltage (that got divided by the individual keys assigned to it) could be accessed as one might normally do through the patch bay.
I also wanted to have the keys pressure sensitive so for that, I invented the use of conductive foam under each key (and that too could manipulate the master voltage to the oscillator banks) and could be assigned to modulate any of the other modifiers too. My patch bay was a switch matrix and pots kind of like ARP used to do.
It was a very cool device which I wrote about extensively in my memoirs, 99% True."
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As for the first non organ based poly synth, currently that honor likely goes to one of the following depending how you define it:
1975 - Buchla 502 - six voice polyphonic with minicomputer and ability to save patches to tape drive. Development on the 500 series began in 1969.
1975 - Oberheim FVS - four voice polyphonic with Polyphonic Synthesizer Programmer. Not sure if the 502 or FVS was released first.
1977 - Yamaha - CS50/CS60/CS80 - first single enclosure polyphonic keyboard synthesizers, with the CS80 to be the first synth with poly aftertouch
1978 - Sequential Circuits - microprocessor control the SCI prophet 10 (briefly) and the P-5 --- again based on existing E-mu tech stuff
Infinity Gradient Trailer (for organ and 100 speakers) by Tristan Perich - Death of Classical video upload by Death of Classical
Note the above is a video of Tristan Perich's Infinity Gradient performance from March 22, 2022. You'll find details on his new book Pseudorandom, and upcoming performance further below. You might remember Tristan Perich from his 1-Bit synth featured in previous posts here.
Description for the Infinity Gradient performance above: "Composer Tristan Perich has made a name for himself creating sweeping, viscerally overwhelming soundscapes out of armies of 1-bit speakers playing synthesized sounds. We're pleased to present the U.S. Premiere of his newest work, Infinity Gradient, which takes his musical vision to the next level by combining 100 of those speakers with the soul-blasting power of all 7,069 pipes in the Miller-Scott Organ, housed amidst the magnificent Gothic architecture of Saint Thomas Church Fifth Avenue and played by the inimitable James McVinnie."
"Book Release + Performance at Printed Matter, Feb 29
Tristan Perich's Pseudorandom is a companion release to his circuit album Noise Patterns. The new art book is a monolithic, unabridged 1024-page printout of the 16,777,215 numbers that comprise one complete cycle of the 3-byte random number generator from Noise Patterns' code.
Originally released as a circuitboard that plays its music through a headphone jack, Noise Patterns employed randomness at the core of its sound synthesis. However, true randomness is beyond the limitations of any deterministic computer algorithm. Because a digital computer’s memory is intrinsically finite, any attempt towards randomness will eventually exhaust every possible memory value. When those values are used up, the cycle must repeat. What results is termed “pseudorandom” — an approximation of randomness, and an illustration of the vast but fundamentally limited nature of computation.
Join me at Printed Matter on Feb 29 to celebrate the book release, with a solo performance of Noise Patterns + Q&A
Tristan Perich: Pseudorandom Book Release
Thursday, Feb 29, 6pm
Printed Matter
231 11th Ave, NYC ➝ Event Info ➝ Pre-Order"
"Korg MS-20. Fully serviced and sounding fantastic. This is a Japanese 110v original with leather case - step up transformer is included. Full set of patch cables and 1970s Japanese patch book included."
"This ARP 2600 Owner's Manual is a must-have for any synth enthusiast. With detailed information on how to use and maintain this vintage keyboard synthesizer, you'll be able to get the most out of your instrument. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting out, this text book guide is an invaluable resource. Learn about the unique features of this ARP 2600 model. This listing is for the manual only. The synthesizer is not included."
Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.
"This listing is a rare opportunity to buy printed materials that came in with one of the many rare and vintage synths or other pieces of electronic musical gear we normally buy, repair / restore and sell."
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"These never used 4 volume soft cover manuals 2nd edition set by Roland are very comprehensive with many diagrams and discussion. They teach the routing of modular and semi modular analog synthesizers. They teach studio recording techniques, effects, adding drums and other instruments to the mix and comprehensive sound theory. This is the bible of Synthesis. A must have, rare collection.
1. A Foundation For Electronic Music 2nd Edition 1978
2. Multichannel Recording For Electronic Music 2nd Edition 1979
3. Practical Synthesis For Electronic Music Volume One 2nd Edition 1979
4. Practical Synthesis For Electronic Music Volume Two 2nd Edition 1979"
Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.
"Electronic Projects for Musicians Revised Edition – 1981 (1st printing)
by Craig Anderton Special foreword by Joe Walsh.
THE renowned standard book for musical DIY projects. Ask anyone in the field and they will point you to this one as the best ever published. It’s the perfect introduction to build your own music boxes, since it also leads you through a crash course in theory, part sourcing, the use and care of tools, the basics of soldering and construction, and so on. Twenty-seven projects are guaranteed to keep you glued to your work table for many winter evenings. Build your own Preamp, Compressor/Limiter, Ring Modulator, Phase Shifter, Talk Box, plus 22 other inexpensive electronic accessories. Clear language, hundreds of helpful diagrams and illustrations, and simple, step-by-step instructions will make it easy. Many thousands of these projects are already built by people around the world and praised by experienced DIY’ers.
Due to it’s unprecedented popularity, this book has been reprinted more than once and this 1981 publication has been out of print for a very long time. It can now only be found second hand, usually in auctions. But here is a BRAND NEW copy! Of course it also still has the accompanying flexi disk attached, with sound demonstrations of the various projects, produced by Craig himself.
Incl. Floppy Demo-single NEW from old stock* * 40 years of shelf life might have left some minor wear on the cover.
Note auction links are affiliate links. See the site's privacy policy for more info.
"The Complete Guide to Synthesizers (1982) RARE!
Devarahi
A combination of theoretical explanation and hands-on experience: 99 experiments for sound creation are offered and discussed in detail.
A book that had monumental impact at it’s appearance and is still very much sough after. Lists as unavailable mostly and sometimes at a ridiculous, inflated price.
Full of illustrations and with many photo’s of famous/rare instruments.
"Modul8 issue two is out now - bigger, better and more in depth.
After being humbly blown away by the support for the premiere issue of Modul8, issue two steps up with more pages, more interviews and more synth devotion.
Go behind the modules with Corry Banks from Eurorack manufacturer Modbap Modular, dive deep into sound therapy with AHRKH, explore modern ballet music with composer Alison Cole and get schooled by Serge scholar Ben Carey.
There's also feature interviews with L.A's best kept secret Voltage Ctrlr,
heartbreak and redemption with Def Jam's Sadiva, Buchla buzz from Beijing's TamiX and the breakthroughs and breakdowns of Aussie breakbeat pioneers Nubreed.
And if all that still wasn't enough we check in with Melbourne theremin maestro Miles Brown, learn about SDEM's latest album, throw it back with the American Gigolo soundtrack and try to figure out why 'INIT' patches are so comforting.
All that, plus everyone's favourite philosopher Todd Barton is back, and this time he's getting saucy with his synths.
And despite our tragic commitment to physical media, we’ve also created a special Spotify playlist featuring music from the artists showcased in issue two.
We’re super proud of this issue, but more importantly we're super stoked to present such a dynamic and diverse range of creators following their own paths
*Modul8 acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. Modul8 is produced off-grid and attempts to limit its carbon footprint where possible."
Playlist: (you can use the player controls to skip around)
1. Synthfest UK 23: Sequential - Trigon 6 Desktop
At SynthFest UK 2023, we had the opportunity to chat with Chris from Sequential, a part of the Focusrite group. Chris introduced us to the Trigon 6 Desktop, the latest addition to Sequential's synthesizer lineup. This compact desktop version of the Trigon 6 packs a powerful punch, offering three oscillators and a distinctive Dave Smith ladder filter. Designed for those seeking a space-saving solution without compromising on sound quality, the Trigon 6 Desktop retains all the features of its larger sibling, including patch recall, a versatile effects section with various modulation possibilities, and the distinctive feedback control that allows you to sculpt sub-harmonic richness.
At Synthfest UK 2023, we caught up with Calc from Sequential, and he gave us the lowdown on the Prophet X. Now, you might be thinking, Prophet X? Haven't we seen that before? Well, you're right, but this hybrid instrument has been quietly making waves in the music world. It combines digital and analog elements, with digital oscillators and a unique twist in the form of multi-sample-based instruments. Yes, you heard that right, it's not just your run-of-the-mill synth; it's a full-on sampler too, boasting an impressive 50 gigabytes of memory for your custom samples. You can treat it like a rompler, a sample player, or even use those samples as oscillators, creating a whole new realm of sonic possibilities.
Plus, it's packed with stereo goodness, allowing you to explore a wide soundstage with ease. It's not your typical synth, and that's what makes its a favourute of Calc's
Following on from his 2021 book, Synthesizer Evolution: From Analogue to Digital (and Back), Oli Freke returns with a Synthesizer Evolution A6 zine series.
The invention of the synthesizer in the 1960s changed musical culture and music production forever, giving musicians whole new worlds of sound to play with. Vintage Synths celebrates that invention and its subsequent history by picking out 46 of the most influential, important or most interesting synths from 1939 – 1998. They each represent the introduction of a new technology, had particular impact, or maybe even formed the basis of entirely new genres.
Explore the most legendary synthesizers ever created, including the Minimoog, ARP 2600, Yamaha DX7, Roland Jupiter 8 and more, with detailed descriptions and the stories behind their development.
Drum machines and samplers have something of a shared history and this zine celebrates their invention by picking out 46 of the most influential, important or most interesting from 1949 – 1996. Explore the most legendary drum machines and samplers ever created, including the Roland TR-808, Roland TR-909, Akai S1000, Fairlight CMI, Akai MPC60 and more, with detailed descriptions and the stories behind their development.
According to Kimberly S Beasley, "This [Sonic Six] has been in the possession of our Professor Emeritus Dr. William Schirmer as it was given to him by Hoskins. Hoskins' granddaughter Dorothy is also aware of the instrument. We also have a large collection of manuscripts of Hoskins.
There is also a mini-Moog we just refurbished in our recording studio."
"Forty-five years in the making, Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments contains all of Tom Rhea’s fifty-two influential columns that were first published in Keyboard magazine from 1977-1981. This 400-page tome greatly expands on the original content with updated information and hundreds of newly restored images. Electronic Perspectives: Vintage Electronic Musical Instruments includes two CDs of unearthed recordings; spanning multiple eras of electronic music. All in a gold foil-embossed hardcover book, housed in a deluxe slipcase."
